Kilgannon

Kilgannon #1

by Kathleen Givens

A place where love and war collide--and she would be possessed by the Scottish chieftain they called . . . barbarian

Enter a world of breathtaking romance and rugged adventure. Enter the world of Kilgannon--an unforgettable story of love and treachery in a great Scottish clan. Kathleen Givens's magnificent novel sweeps from Queen Anne's London to the Highland wilderness . . . and into the hearts of one proud, passionate the MacGannons of . . . Kilgannon .

Mary Lowell wasn't interested in marriage despite her aunt's determination to find her a husband by the end of the London Season. Then Alex MacGannon, Earl of Kilgannon, strode into the ballroom and commanded her heart. They called him a barbarian, a rough-hewn Scot--chieftain of clan MacGannon. They said no woman could hold him, as he set sail on the high seas. But Alex returned to claim Mary Lowell as his own, to carry her off to Scotland, to his magnificent ancestral castle, Kilgannon. And as the Highlands are torn by rebellion, Mary will find passion--and danger--in the rugged land she would now call home.

Watch for the next book in the magnificent Kilgannon The Wild Rose of Kilgannon , coming in November 1999 from Dell.

Genres: Romance, Historical Romance, Historical Fiction, Historical, Scotland, Fiction, Adult Fiction

400 pages, Mass Market Paperback

First published October 12, 1999

About the author

Kathleen Givens was born in New York City, but spent her early years living in the Northeast and Georgia before landing in Southern California at the age of ten. As a result, she is fluent in Valley Girl, Steel Magnolia, and Manhattanite.

From an early age, Kathleen was entranced by the history, legends and sagas of the people who mixed together to form Scotland, Ireland, England and later the United States. She likes to weave elements of their myths and legends into her work, to mix fictional and factual characters, and set them against turbulent backdrops of war and social and political upheavals. And then add a love story, of course.

Kathleen made her writing debut at the age of ten with a rewrite of Little Women, in which Jo marries Laurie and no one dies. It is not in print. In high school she and a friend wrote a dreadful 250-page play about an English rock group. Surprisingly, it is not in print either.

Her official writing career began in 1999 with the acclaimed Scottish historicals, Kilgannon and The Wild Rose of Kilgannon, the epic love story of an English woman who falls in love with a rugged Highlander. The series left her readers thirsting for more stories of the glittering streets of London and the misty Scottish Highlands.

In 2002, Givens launched her Torridon series. The Legend introduced the MacCurrie brothers, identical twins, whose birth and lives have been predicted by the Brahan Seer. The Legend tells the story of James MacCurrie and Ellen Graham, cousin to Bonnie Dundee, and is set in the late 17th century, when William of Orange has usurped King James, and rebellion is in the air.

The Destiny continued the adventures of the brothers who are fated to help determine the future of the thrones of England and Scotland, and tells the story of Eileen Ronley, granddaughter of Charles II. The Destiny won the coveted Romance Writers of America's RITA Award for Best Long Historical of 2003.

Her latest book, On a Highland Shore, which was published in July, 2006, launched a new series that will follow three siblings and their descendants for 500 years. Set in turbulent 13th century Scotland, it tells the story of Margaret MacDonald, the oldest of the siblings the series will follow, and Gannon MacMagnus, the founder of the MacGannon clan we met in the Kilgannon saga. It has Vikings, invasions, and a war. What better backdrop for a love story?

Kathleen loves to travel, read, and study history, which makes writing historical fiction a perfect career. While she has traveled extensively, she's yet to find anywhere she could love more than California, where she and her husband live in a tragically flawed house with the neurotic and dictatorial cat formerly known as Miss Lily.

Kathleen can be reached at Kathleen@kathleengivens.com.

Reviews

[Erin · Rating 4 out of 5]

Setting: England/Scotland 1713-1715

When I joined Goodreads in 2013, this was one of the first recommendations I received from the site because I had enjoyed the Outlander series. It's not the easiest book to find and after a while I gave up any hope of finding Kilgannon and removed it from my shelf. Lo and behold, I go home and what do I find at my second hand bookstore? The 1999 debut novel of Kathleen Givens.

Mary Lowell, a young Englishwoman goes from party to party, but dreams of something more. When a handsome blond haired Highlander captures her eye, Mary's very world is about to be turned upside down. Alex MacGannon is a widowed father of two sons and the clan chieftain, he worries that this dark haired English beauty might have trouble adjusting to life in the Highlands. Yet neither can deny the sparks between them and a whirlwind romance begins.

What I thought :
I will acknowledge my fellow reviewers and concede that there is definitely more than a glimmer of similarity between Kilgannon and Outlander. However, I loved the banter between Alex and Mary and couldn't tear myself away from their journey. Personally, I have never been able to resist a tale set in Scotland and having read Givens "On a Highland Shore" series, I had no doubt that she could transport me to early 18th century Scotland. Hopefully, it won't be too long before I find book 2.

Goodreads review 24/08/19

[Lori · Rating 3 out of 5]

The Kindle edition is FULL of errors and mistakes... made it really tough to read the book. I put in a complaint to Amazon.com - someone needs to fix this.

Overall, I got really tired of Mary's attitudes towards Alex. She doesn't ever exhibit TRUST in him, and he never gives her cause to not trust him. She's constantly worrying and complaining about him and their "relationship" before they're married, and then afterwards, she can't accept him for who he is. When war comes, she throws a temper-tantrum rather than support him. I found her very childish in many ways.

Alex, though, needed to learn to communicate more and more freely - which he seemed to learn by the end of the book. He is fiercely loyal to his family, even though his brother Malcolm is a back-stabbing, disloyal, do-anything-to-get-ahead kind of guy. Only in exposing Malcolm did Mary show any real insight.

It was an interesting book, but not interesting enough for me to rush into book #2.

[Lisa · Rating 4 out of 5]

Not as exciting as Outlander, but a good read none the less!

[Dangermousie · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is for both Kilgannon and Wild Rose of Kilgannon - Even though these are two novels, it is pretty much one continuous book which was split up by the publishers due to size, so it counts as one. The books follow Mary Lovell and Alex MacGannon, who fall in love and marry shortly before the Rebellion of 1715. Like a lot of books on this list, these follow an established relationship facing the world - the Rebellion fails quickly and ignominiously and even though Alex was reluctant to join, he is one of the most high-born leaders and thus the Crown plans to make an example of his trial for treason. So very English and equally high-born Mary throws everything she has into an attempt to save him.

If I had to pick my favorite romance novel of all time, the book that is Kilgannon/WRoK would be it. In some ways, it is more a period novel with a strong romantic storyline than a 'proper' romance - there are complicated plots and a strong sense of the period. I have rarely loved protagonists the way I do Mary and Alex - they are both supremely mature and functional and good and smart and gorgeous (Mary is my ultimate girlcrush) and I believe that they are each other's whole world, but they force themselves to carry on no matter the loss for the sake of others. Also, like a lot of books on this list, it has an 'us against the world' theme which I adore. And it manages to be rather understated while conveying all the emotion or all the horrible things that happen - unlike some other authors, Givens does not go into detail of e.g. Alex's torture for information or even the lovemaking scenes, but oddly, it's more potent for being alluded to more than seen.

[MelissaB · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book is written in first person, which is not usually something I like. I actually enjoyed the use of first person in this book because I felt like I was more immersed in the time period. It was almost like going along with the heroine on her adventures or reading her diary. The hero is really great, he was a strong, sexy Highlander. The historical detail is amazing, I enjoyed learning more about this time period (I think it was set in the mid-1700's). The setting changed between England and Scotland. This was the story of how Mary and Alex met and fell in love then the beginning of their life back at Alex's home in Scotland. The story continues in Wild Rose of Kilgannon.

[Stephanie · Rating 3 out of 5]

I probably would have given this 4 stars, but the characters seemed very similar to the characters in 'Outlander' and this book was published 8 years after 'Outlander'. Not only the main characters, but some periphery characters, as well. The writing did not seem to draw me in nearly as much as DG's writing (and, truthfully, I just pretended the main characters WERE Jamie and Claire!). I think that helped take the book to a solid 3 stars. I will read the second book, though.

[Janice · Rating 4 out of 5]

I went through a Scottish period and loved them all.

From Publishers Weekly
Givens's debut romanceAset in England and Scotland in the early 1700s, when tensions ran high during Queen Anne's reignAsubtly weaves a tale of personal and historical conflict. Mary Lowell, a sheltered young Englishwoman, is shocked by her strong feelings when she meets barbaric Scottish chieftain Alex MacGannon, Earl of Kilgannon, at a ball in London. After a rocky courtship, MacGannon whisks Mary back to his clan in the Scottish Highlands, where they face danger amid tumultuous rebellion. Alex displays both a sense of humor and unshakable integrity, and Mary's quiet strength is revealed through her first-person narration. The only serious flaw in this well-researched historical is that, in her effort to set up a sequel, Givens fails to resolve major conflicts, a tactic that may leave readers dissatisfied.

[Stevie · Rating 4 out of 5]

Just started this last night, (I am in my "need-a-brogue" mood). It's done in first person which always throws me, not the format of choice for me, but I found I was at page 68 in a blink of an eye. So far, I like the style of writing, it's engaging and well thought out, and definitely has my interest. Let you know in a couple days!

I am torn. The book is very (verra) good. The writing style is different, in a good way, in that it is a sort of recollection of narrator's life centered around the love of her life. It starts off strong, plateaus and then dips and rises, and all the while you know something is coming. And this is where I am torn. While it hints throughout the story of the upcoming and inevitable final clash of the English and Scottish in the late 1700's, I read with the hopes that this would either end before the war or by some miracle the clan would escape to the Americas. I have read enough and know my history enough to not want to revisit the tragic slaughter and annihilation of the Highlander's of Scotland again. So guess where the ending of this book leads? It's not actually said, just ends, very emotionally, leaving you hanging and teases with an introduction into the second of the series.

Mary and Alex have classic romance from the start, but don't look for any amount of steam. This book is very tame and softly written. Character development is very strong and deliberate, and you see everyone in the story through the narrator's (Mary's) eyes. But the author makes sure you see only her view point and cleverly leaves some doubt in much of what Mary cannot see. You feel her inner struggles, passions, insecurities and opinion from start to finish. I greatly enjoyed the fact that while things were not endless tragic, they were not perfect either, leaving it more on the realistic realm of fiction. The first half of the book I could not put down for any length of time, the second half had me slowing my pace with growing apprehension and the end left me misty.

I enjoyed the book very much. Is it a favorite?- not sure because in actuality it's not finished and historically it will not be a happy ending-and I am all about the happy ending. The question, and my dilemma, is do I go to the second book and enter a known realm of a doomed story which for some reason has always broke my heart to read about or do I just move on to something light and inconsequential. Heavy sigh.

[Leni K · Rating 3 out of 5]

PLOT:
England, 1712: Mary Lowell hängt in ihrem Leben an einem Punkt fest, an dem es nicht so richtig weitergeht. Anfang des 18. Jahrhunderts in England gab es für eine junge Frau nicht viel mehr Lebensziele, als einen geeigneten Gemahl zu finden, und mit Anfang 20 wird es damit auch wirklich Zeit für Mary. Auf einer Gesellschaft lernt sie dann Alexander MacGannon kennen, einen hünenhaften Schotten aus den Highlands, der ihr schon nach ein paar ausgetauschten Sätzen den Kopf verdreht. Er selbst ist deutlich älter als Mary, verwitwet mit zwei Kindern, aber das macht Mary natürlich nichts aus. Ein scheinbar unendliches Hin und Her beginnt, bis die beiden endlich zueinander finden und Mary mit ihm nach Schottland zieht. Dort wird sie auch — fast — von allen herzlich aufgenommen. Aber, es kommt wie es kommen muss, ganz so einfach wird Mary der Neuanfang in der Fremde dann doch nicht gemacht.

Meine Meinung:
Das Buch war nett. Aber ich fürchte, das war es dann auch schon.
Zu den positiven Aspekten: Die Geschichte erscheint mir gut recherchiert— ohne dass ich irgendetwas davon nachgeprüft hätte oder mich damit auskennen würde. Der Schreibstil ist bildhaft und flüssig.
Nun dazu, was mir nicht gefallen hat: Die Handlung plätschert wahnsinnig langsam vor sich hin. Vor allem anfangs, bevor Mary und ihr Highlander nach 1/3 des Buches endlich zueinander finden, ist es wirklich anstrengend, dass sie sich ständig streiten (zum Teil auch sehr konstruiert), nur damit sie dann wieder zueinander finden können. Seitenweise wird der Leser damit gelangweilt, wie Mary auf ihren Highlander und einen Brief von ihm wartet. Auch in Schottland geht es wirklich lange Zeit in der selben Geschwindigkeit weiter. Ich habe die Seiten irgendwann nur noch überflogen, weil wirklich einfach nichts passiert ist.
Mary ist eine recht fortschrittlich denkende, aber sehr hitzköpfige Protagonistin, deren meiste Wutausbrüche ich gar nicht nachvollziehen konnte.
Alex ist ein interessanter Charakter, aber ehrlich gesagt fand ich es immer irgendwie abschreckend, dass er Mary ständig "Mädchen" nennt …

Fazit: Würde ich als Lektüre ehrlich gesagt nicht empfehlen. Drei Sterne für mich mit viel Wohlwollen, weil die Geschichte insgesamt logisch war und weil man die Arbeit spürt, die die Autorin hinein gesteckt hat.

[Regan Walker · Rating 5 out of 5]

After reading ON A HIGHLAND SHORE and its sequel RIVALS FOR THE CROWN, I became a devoted fan of Givens and her amazing talent for weaving a story from history that sweeps you away.

KILGANNON is a story of the same Highlander family in ON A HIGHLAND SHORE, but ten generations later--in 1712. Set in Scotland and England, it tells the story of Mary Lowell, a pampered debutante, swept up in London's society of parties and entertainment. Mary saw no suitors that appealed to her but then it was expected she'd marry the Campbell. Then Alex MacGannon, the Earl of Kilgannon, shows up at a soiree in London one evening wearing a kilt and Mary is intrigued, captivated.

They called Lord Kilgannon a barbarian, a Scottish chief of clan MacGannon who sailed the seas in his ships. But Mary finds the Scottish lord polished and with a wonderful sense of humor. Alex knows what he wants and he wants Mary Lowell for his wife, to live with him and his two young sons in castle Kilgannon. The Highlands are torn by rebellion, and Mary is drawn into the conflict as another man competes for her love.

Alex is every bit the man his ancestor, Gannon, was and I could not help falling in love with him as he pursued the English heroine, a strong woman of character who would leave her own land for his. Givens' writing is wonderfully descriptive and the feelings between the two characters develop subtly and believably. You are drawn into their world without realizing it.

The sequel, THE WILD ROSE OF KILGANNON, continues story of Alex and Mary as they face England's wrath together. When you can't stop reading, you know you've found a keeper. The two books comprise a rich tale of the 18th century you will want to re-read! Givens is a superb storyteller.

[Serena Miles · Rating 2 out of 5]

La historia esta muy bien ambientada en su epoca, se nota que la autora se ha preocupado en investigar la epoca donde se desarrolla.

Pero lo demas me ha resultado aburrido... es muy lento y repetitivo en algunas cosas, por ejemplo en pedir matrimonio, que pesadez... y con todo lo demas me ha pasado lo mismo..

Es cierto que al final me quede con muchas ganas de saber lo que ocurre en el siguiente, pero tardare en leermelo porque como sea igual que este me da un patatus

4/10

[Amy · Rating 3 out of 5]

I just loved this story. Yes it is lighter than Gabaldon's Outlander, but it is a sweet romantic adventure nonetheless and deserves to be recognized for what it is. If you compare everything to Outlander you are bound to be disappointed with anything else you read. I loved the lead and supporting characters. The Earl of Kilgannon is no Jamie Fraser, but he has his own unique qualities and is very worthy to be considered one of my favorite most romantic heroes. He was very sweet and sexy.

[Fran · Rating 5 out of 5]

Anyone who has read On A Highland Shore by this same author will want to read more of her works, so that brought me here. This book and its companion book are two halves of the same story, so don't plan on reading one without the other. This is Book One and it sets up Book Two beautifully. We are well introduced to our two main characters Alex and Mary. We learn that Alex, although well educated, is a Chieftain of the Scottish clan MacGannon who follows Highlander standards of conduct. He's considered a barbarian by the English and only tolerated within society circles for business purposes if he's on good behavior. But Alex can hold his own with the best of them, verbally sparring in a regal fashion without physical confrontation, although make no mistake, should it come to that, all others should be intimidated. He's a big man and a proud Highlander—a Gael to whom wee Englishman don't compare. As Alex pursues a charming courtship with Mary, we learn she is feisty and stubborn and not the typical Englishwoman. She's lived a privileged life until then but she's willing to break a few societal rules to get to know this intriguing stranger. Lest you think there is no reason for Alex to be drawn to Mary, this is one reason why.

After they marry we follow their passionate early years of marriage, during which Mary learns to be a strong asset to her husband as leaders of the clan. They have challenges, some of which are brought on by Mary's fiery personality and unfamiliarity with Highlander ways, but their trials and tribulations with family, enemies, morality and politics test their devotion while bringing them even closer. That brings us to the end where the book finishes with its climax which also happens to be the cliffhanger leading into the second book (The Wild Rose Of Kilgannon). Book Two picks up right where this book leaves off.

Yes, there are many formatting errors in this book, but I wouldn't let that stop you from reading it. Knowing that in advance it didn't impact my enjoyment of the story. This is Ms. Given's first novel and her descriptive style and historical details are impressive. They draw the reader into this saga and keep you turning pages well into the night. Her main characters are richly developed and their relationship holds both chemistry and volatility. Her descriptions of the amazing Scottish panoramas create stunning visuals. Treasure these two books and the few others that Ms. Given's has written as she is no longer with us.

Considering the two books as a whole, I give it five stars.

[Nightwitch · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is basically a less violent, less stressful Outlander - our heroine is a native to the time period, but is occasionally a little weirdly ahistorical (she's horrified by a hanging in Scotland because apparently they didn't have those in 1712 London). All the reassuringness of romance, with Mary swept off her feet by a handsome Highlander and sort-of-but-not-really torn between him and a boring dude who happens to be a Lowlander, with all of the drama of historical fiction and like 90% less rape than same. (There is one attempted rape scene, but Mary is rescued by Alex before it gets too graphic.) Ends on a cliffhanger.

[Natalia Martin · Rating 2 out of 5]

No me agradan los libros que no tienen un final cerrado y es el caso de éste, sin embargo el personaje masculino me ha gustado bastante, se ajusta a lo que podía ser un escocés de esa época. No obstante en mi opinión le sobran unas cuantas páginas porque en algunos momentos se hace lento y repetitivo, tarda muchísimo en llegar al final dando vueltas y más vueltas a una cuestión que ya ha planteado, como queriendo convencer de los caracteres de los protagonistas, lo único que consigue es hacerse pesado y que no puedas empatizar con el personaje femenino.

[Mary Bradshaw · Rating 4 out of 5]

Editor, where for art thou??

So, I really enjoyed this story, even though the number of typos was ridiculous and just plain annoying as they seemed to become more frequent as the book went on! It got to the point where I found myself trying to figure out what word the author was intending to use. Very distracting! Of course I will now read the second book in the series hoping for a less complicated reading experience, as I expect it to be a satisfying ending to the story of Alex and Mary MacGannon. Review to be continued….

[Sarah · Rating 4 out of 5]

Pure enjoyment -- light historical romance at its best! I'm giving four stars only because the main character did some things that really annoyed me, but other than that part, I thoroughly enjoyed it and look forward to the sequel, as well as other books by the author.

[Frany · Rating 1 out of 5]

Bullshit

[Anekas fabelhafte Bücherwelt · Rating 5 out of 5]

achja.. Ich liebe die Bücher von Kathleen Givens.. Ich hab immer das Gefühl, als würde mir eine ältere Dame gerade ihre Liebesgeschichte erzählen.

[Donna Covell · Rating 5 out of 5]

Good story line

[Moi · Rating 2 out of 5]

epic-adjacent, but left me cold.

[Aina · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love this novel.

[WingingIt29 · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wow, the editing was so bad, but, fortunately, the story was so good.

ETA: It's been two weeks and I'm still thinking about this book. Like I said, bad editing, but the characters are so well drawn and so easy to emotionally invest in. This is a candidate for a re-read for sure.

[Iris Midnight · Rating 1 out of 5]

I will not read any book’s of this author again, my humble opinion sorry🙁
⭐️
🌶️
💧

[mibea_books · Rating 5 out of 5]

Mary Lowell ist fasziniert als sie das erste Mal Alexander MacGannon an einem Ballabend erblickt. Auch ihn ergeht es so und beide nähern sich an. Doch Alexander lebt in Schottland und Mary ist Engländerin. Dennoch heiraten sie und Mary geht mit ihm nach Schottland. Jedoch gibt es nicht nur schöne Zeiten, sondern eine Rebellion macht sich im ganzen Land bereit.
Cover:
Das Cover birgt in sich schon die Atmosphäre, welches dieses Buch übermittelt. Mit der Burg und der Landschaft im Hintergrund ist es schnell klar, dass dieses Buch in Schottland handelt. Dementsprechend ist es passend und lässt einen gleich in die unbeugsame Atmosphäre eintauchen.
Schreibstil:
Am Anfang hatte ich es eher schwer in das Buch einzutauchen, was mir der Schreibstil mühsam gemacht hat. Dennoch, da es auf der einen Seite aus der Ich-Perspektive geschrieben ist und auf der anderen Seite einen die Gefühle und Handlungen sehr gut rüberbringt, konnte mich dieser mit der Zeit einnehmen und ich habe ihn lieben gelernt. Die Autorin kann sehr gut schreiben und ich werde bestimmt noch weitere Bücher von ihr lesen.
Charaktere:
Mary Lowell ist eine eigensinnige und sture Persönlichkeit und dennoch habe ich sie in mein Herz geschlossen. Sie tut alles, um ihre Liebsten zu beschützen und stellt sich mutig der Gefahr und Angst. Das hat sie in meinen Augen zu einem weiblichen Vorbild in dieser Zeit darstellen lassen. Viele Frauen wären in ihrer Situation geflüchtet oder seelisch am Ende gewesen. Sie hat mich inspiriert und damit konnte ich schnell mit ihr sympathisieren und mitfühlen. Alex war genauso eigensinnig, aber auch charmant und leidenschaftlich. Ich mag an ihn, dass er genauso für seine Taten einsteht und für sein Volk, Ehefrau und Söhne da ist. Beide inspirieren einen und zusammen sind sie wirklich ein wunderschönes Paar, welches mir unter die Haut ging.
Handlung:
Die Handlung hat mich am Anfang eher verwundert, da es langsam und gemächlich vorging. Da habe ich mich gefragt wo die restliche Handlung hin soll, bis ich dann gemerkt habe, dass es einen 2. Band geben wird. Das hat das Verständnis der Handlung einfacher gemacht und dadurch konnte ich es nur geniessen, dass es zwar nicht schleppend, aber auch nicht rapide vor sich ging. Das Tempo war sehr angenehm und somit konnte ich die Landschaft Schottlands und ihr gemeinsames Leben geniessen. Das Ende hingegen hat mich dann in Tränen ausbrechen lassen und sehr traurig gestimmt. Ich musste dann einfach unbedingt im 2. Teil weiterlesen – Suchtpotenzial vorprogrammiert!
Fazit:
Zu Tränen bin ich gerührt, nun wo ich das Buch beendet habe. Eine romantische, aufregende und herzenbrecherische Liebesgeschichte gespielt in der wunderschönen Kulisse Schottlands.
Bewertung: 5 von 5

[Terry (Ter05 TwiMoms/ MundieMoms) · Rating 4 out of 5]

I love a good historical novel about Scotland, and this one that begins in 1712 was a really good read. Although it begins in London with the story of Mary Lowell and introduces the reader to society in England at that time, when Mary meets Alex MacGannon, Earl of Kilgannon the story is about to change. A Highlander in a kilt is a novelty at the time and not accepted by all even if he is an Earl. This is a love story and a story of treachery and betrayal that takes the reader from London to a beautiful castle in Scotland, Kilgannon. This is a time in history of rebellion and potential war which is nothing new to the history of England and Scotland. Mary has to make difficult choices between her dear friends and family in England and her new family in a remote area of the Scottish Highlands.

Mary is a likable heroine with a mind of her own but not without doubts along the way. Blond dashing Alex is the right kind of hero if you love the Scottish laird who is both responsible and devoted to his people but a true warrior as well. There is a real insight in this book into the thought process of those who for so long defended their way of life and their country no matter what the consequences. We see a man torn between the safety of his wife and sons and the duty he feel for his clan and his ancestral home. It isn't a choice between them but a choice of what is is right and what is honorable and what would be the safe choices.

I enjoyed the book and will get the sequel, The Wild Rose of Kilgannon. It is a good combination of history and interesting characters with a good personal story.

[Rauli · Rating 2 out of 5]

Argh, my head hurts from all the crying I've done since picking this book up. It's been unbearably hard for Mary and Alex to form a lasting happiness and it's truly heartrending to see a loving couple having to continuously face odd that are not in their favor. From their courtship in the ballrooms of London, to the relentless and cowardly acts of Alex's brother Malcolm and the horrible repercussions the MacGannon clan face toward the end of this book at the prospect of war. It's too much!!

What specially got to me was Mary's incessant plead toward Alex not to ally the MacGannon's to James Steward and the Jocobites therefore committing Treason against the crown. (One of the shinning accomplishments of this book actually engaging me in the story so that I managed to pick up a bit of normally dry history) I sympathize with Mary and in her position I would undoubtedly plead, beg and scream as she's done but having to share her distress so often truly exasperated and angered me as a reader. Hypocritical of me, I know. On the other hand I understand how Alex must go and I much like Mary admire him as much as I berate him for leaving.Very complex emotions which frankly I am unused to experience, the tried me out and plagued my sleep. Still as soon as I finished this I couldn't stop myself from reaching for the sequel.

[Jennifer Brown · Rating 2 out of 5]

Good story for those not bothered by the writing style

The bones of a great story are here but I'm left feeling that the author published an outline verses a complete, fleshed out, and well developed tale. Days, then weeks, then years fly by in no more than a paragraph or two and it feels like the author either doesn't understand or ignores the importance of actual words the characters say to each other. Of course, I have been spoiled with the Outlander Series, so understandably, any highland story will most likely fall short in comparison, but I feel this could have been so much more if not rushed and more time was given to character and plot development. The reader doesn't have time to feel the conflict build in the beginning and becomes uncomfortable with the manufactured conflict as the story goes on. I will read the sequel just because I'm a person who likes closure and am hopeful the sequel is more satisfying and can hit the mark, where this first attempt falls short. I found myself trying to rewrite the story as I read, and I prefer to escape when I read, not work. I would NOT recommend to anyone who is looking to fall in love with and immerse themselves in an unforgettable story or characters who touch your heart. If your expectations are low and you just want to kill a few hours, then you might enjoy this book.

[Mirah W · Rating 4 out of 5]

After I read two previous novels by Givens I thought I would give Kilgannon a shot. It's a little more 'romancy' than I like (but not the cheesy heaving bosoms kind of romance). There's always lots of misunderstandings in the relationship bwteeen Alex and Mary that could just be solved with honest communication. But, the primary plot story is interesting...Alex, the clan leader, having to decide what to do politically...try and get a Scot on the English throne or ride the tide of politics and hope his family fares postively in the end. Throughout the story I really came to care about some of the characters. Because I was so drawn into their circumstances I couldn't put the book down...I read it very quickly. The ending is not neatly tied up...there are lots of questions about what happens to everyone inolved. I have already started the sequel because I had to know what happened.

[SandiegoSuzanne · Rating 4 out of 5]

What I like about Kathleen Given's books is that character is revealed in the dialog not in a lot of side self talking or description of what the character is feeling. Because of the strong dialog the author doesn’t have tell the reader how to feel about the characters either. None of that “He was wickly handsome with a look that put a shudder into all but the unwise.”

In the Kilgannon series Givens gives us very likeable characters who I came to care about. The attention to historical detail which is important to those of us who read historicals to bring history to life is very strong and shows extensive research and/or on site experience. The plot is strong and develops well through the series.

In my opinion, the Kilgannon series is very worth your time.